Models of communication are simplified representations of the process of communication that help us understand how communication can be carried out. They provide a visual representation of the different aspects of a communication situation, including the participants, messages, encoding, decoding, and channels. Most models try to describe both verbal and non-verbal communication and often understand it as an exchange of messages. Communication can be defined as the transmission of ideas.

There are several models of communication, including:

1. Linear Models: These models view communication as a one-way process, where the sender transmits the message via a channel, and the message reaches the receiver, who decodes it. Examples of linear models include Aristotles model, Lasswells model, and Shannon-Weaver model.

2. Transactional Models: These models highlight two-way communication with direct feedback. Communication is viewed as a cooperative process whereby two people are responsible for influencing the outcome of the conversation. Examples of transactional models include Barnlunds transactional model and Dances helical model.

3. Interactional Models: These models highlight two-way communication with indirect feedback. Examples of interactional models include Osgood-Schramm model and Westley & Maclean model.

Models of communication serve various functions. Their simplified presentation helps students and researchers identify the main steps of communication and apply communication-related concepts to real-world cases. The unified picture they provide makes it easier to describe and explain the observed phenomena. Models of communication can guide the formulation of hypotheses and help individuals and organizations enhance their communication skills and improve the interaction quality.